COMELEC places four areas in Luzon in the red category

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has marked four areas in Luzon in the red category for the 2025 elections.

The towns of Jones and Maconacon in Isabela and Baleno and Masbate City in Masbate are among 38 areas across the country identified in the red category.

These areas face the most serious threats, such as possible violence or interference from armed groups.

A total of 177 areas are in the orange category, indicating a high risk from armed groups.

Nearly 50 of them are located in the Bicol region, with the remaining areas scattered across BARMM, Caraga and other regions.

A total of 188 areas are in the yellow category, linked to past election-related incidents or intense political rivalries.

COMELEC Chairman George Garcia said the classifications may change as the election approaches.

“Hindi po por que nakita n’yo ‘yung area ninyo na naka-red ay dapat na kayong matakot… sa ating karanasan, merong green biglang nagye-yellow… meron green, nagja-jump sa red… minsan at least halalan, red and green,” he said.

ILOCOS REGION

In the Ilocos Region, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has identified 19 areas in the yellow category of potential election-related incidents.

The yellow category includes areas with a history of election-related violence or the presence of private armed groups.

In Pangasinan, the cities of Aguilar, Binmaley, Malasiqui, Mangaldan, Sual, San Quintin, Urdaneta City and Dagupan City are on the list.

Seven areas in Ilocos Norte, three in La Union and one in Ilocos Sur were also marked.

“Young people turn to Comelec, PNP in AFP, like mapa-aralan kung papaano an deployment pwersa… maiwasan ‘yung mga election-related violence, sa darating na halalan,” Deputy Regional Director Atty. – said Reddy Balarbar.

COMELEC uses four categories to classify areas:

• Green: No security risks
• Yellow: History of election-related incidents or private armed groups
• Orange: Serious armed threats
• Red: Serious concern about serious threats

The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Pangasinan assured the public that it is closely monitoring these areas.

“According to the story, “yan talaga ang binabantayan namin para, if ever, wala nang maulit na ganyan,” PCOL. said Rollyfer Capoquian, director of PPO Pangasinan.